Xbox Had a Blockbuster Day – But Some Buyers Won’t Be Happy

• Xbox Series X/S pre-orders went live yesterday, selling out rapidly at most retailers.
• Sales of Microsoft’s current-gen Xbox One X also surged.
• The confusion naming convention of Microsoft’s console line-up is likely to blame.

Pre-orders for the Xbox Series S/X went live yesterday. Massive demand saw retailers plastering listings with ‘sold out’ messages within minutes. It is now all-but-impossible to secure a Series X pre-order other than through scalpers, while rapidly-dwindling Series S stock remains at select outlets.

According to Microsoft, the interest in its next-gen line-up is record-breaking . The company noted on Twitter:

“We are humbled by the record-breaking demand for Xbox Series X and S. Huge thanks to everyone for the excitement.”

Which records the gaming giant is referring to isn’t clear, but a curious surge in sales of Microsoft’s current-gen Xbox One X also defined the day.

Surge in Xbox One X Sales

According to Twitter user AndrewAlerts, the Xbox One X’s sales rank on Amazon saw a 747% boost , securing it a #4 spot on the retailer’s ‘Movers & Shakers in Video Games’ list , where it stood shoulder to shoulder with the Xbox Series X and PS5 for a brief time.

Rather than mobs of unlucky would-be owners settling for the One X after missing out on a pre-order, this appears the confusing naming convention of Microsoft’s console spread rearing its head as many predicted .

Much has been said about muddled parents and casual gamers accidentally picking up the wrong console due to the similar names. One S, One X, Series S, Series X – for the unversed, it’s easy to see how this could be a source of confusion.

The fact they both bear the same black color scheme doesn’t help matters either, especially when careening through the buying process to secure a pre-order in time.

It certainly seems like people inadvertently added a One X to their shopping carts in place of the almost identically-named Series X.

It’s likely many are in for a nasty surprise when a One X arrives on their doorstep in the next few days.